Three South Florence High students traveled to Orlando, FL on Nov. 26-29 to rehearse and perform with the 2017 All-National Chorus. Students from 49 states were represented in the ensemble.

The three singers selected from South Carolina were Elizabeth Marsac, Jordan Taylor and Kaylee Worthington, all students of Dr. Erick J. Figueras, choral director at South Florence High School.

The students were selected after successfully auditioning for South Carolina’s 2016 All-State Choir – a process which includes a vocal audition as well as a sight-singing exam – and then undergoing an additional audition process. Participation was made possible with financial support from Florence School District One, as well as grant funds awarded by the South Carolina Arts Commission.

All-National ensembles are sponsored by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), which is among the largest arts education organizations in the world and the primary professional organization for music educators in the United States.

The All-National Chorus which was hosted this year at the Coronado Springs Resort in Walt Disney World, was directed by celebrated American composer Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. In addition to having published a large catalog of musical works, Dr. Stroope serves as the director of Choral and Vocal Studies at Oklahoma State University. As a conductor and lecturer, he regularly appears nationally and internationally in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Chicago Orchestra Hall, Sopra Minerva (Rome), and the Kennedy Center.

● Senior Elizabeth Marsac is the daughter of Michael and Suzanne Marsac. She plans to major in English literature.

● Senior Jordan Taylor is the daughter of Raymond and Laura Taylor. She plans to major in musical theater.

● Kaylee Worthington is the daughter of Jeffrey and Michelle Worthington. She plans to study cosmetology.